“Forgive, there are no shortcuts”
As humans we tend to look for the easiest path. Too many times we are looking for shortcuts. But I am here to tell you most of the time shortcuts lead us into trouble. A few years ago, Tammy and I were returning to San Miguel from Leon. I decided to try a shortcut, I ended up driving several kilometers on rough dirt roads and actually crossing a small river. Needless to say my shortcut did not end up so short! I would love to tell all of you this is a one time event but truth be told I have many stories that will confirm shortcuts can lead into trouble!
In today’s scripture Jesus is asked a question by the Apostle Peter. I am certain the answer he received was not what he was expecting.
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
Peter comes to Jesus and ask a legitimate question. I think it is a question we all want to know at some point. But let me take a moment and put this in perspective. Peter is asking this before Jesus died and rose again. He did this before Jesus washed the disciples feet including Judas. It was before Jesus proclaimed on the cross, “forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”
We don’t know who it might have been hurting Peter over and over again but I am sure this is a personal question. Peter attempted to answer his own question and he was gracious with the number. The rabbis taught the people they should forgive those who offend them three times. Peter was extremely gracious with his answer seven and I am sure he was proud of it. But Jesus quickly tells him, No, not seven, but seventy times seven. Talk about deflating someone’s ego! I can’t imagine what was going through Peter’s mind when he heard this answer. I am sure he was waiting to hear, “of course Peter seven is sufficient.” But instead Jesus was telling Peter, “Forgive others, there are no shortcuts or number of times to quit.”
Jesus begins telling him and those listening a story. We will look at this story in the near future. Today I pray that you are not attempting to take a shortcut forgiving someone who has offended you. Is there someone you have cast aside because of multiply offenses? I want to encourage you, forgive them! Yes, they may offend you again but forgive them. How many times do we offend our Father in Heaven and yet through His faithful love and amazing grace He forgives us?
Holding on to unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. It will eventually destroy you!
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